PHOENIX – Arizona Senator Martha McSally introduced legislation on Tuesday to withhold pay from “tone-deaf” U.S. Senators until a COVID-19 relief and support package is passed. On Monday, the Senator threatened to introduce the bill when it looked as if the relief package was stalled.
In an interview on KFYI’s James T. Harris show, McSally said her “no paycheck” bill is striking a tone with Arizonans. “We hear from Arizonans every single day, who no longer have a paycheck and who don’t know how they’re going to feed their family this week; and small businesses that don’t know how they’re going to stay available to hire people back. They are about to go under so this urgent relief package is important to get out the door. Every single day more Americans are dying, and more people are losing their jobs, so why should senators who are voting no still get a paycheck?”
“Americans are with me on this and it didn’t land well on a lot of politicians,” McSally said with a laugh. “You know Chuck Schumer isn’t worrying about where his next meal comes from, and Nancy Pelosi is out of touch with what’s happening out in America right now. We have the inspiration of watching people help each other, but the fear and anxiety of what is going to happen next week if relief doesn’t show up it just shows how tone-deaf, they are,” said McSally referring to House and Senate Democrats.
The COVID-19 $2.5 trillion relief package includes support for workers and small businesses as well as assistance for hospitals and health care workers in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies. The bill also includes tax breaks for average Americans; direct cash assistance to all adult Americans and other elements that are directed to damage done and existing needs to address the COVID-19 crisis.
The package was stalled after Pelosi demanded pork ranging from the funding for the Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C. to the elimination of the U.S. Postal Service’s debt to the treasury.
“If Americans aren’t getting paid, then neither should the Senators failing to support the workers and families who need help making ends meet,” said McSally in a press release. “Today, I introduced legislation to have Senators’ pay withheld until relief is passed. It is despicable that millions of Americans are without a paycheck in this time of crisis, while the Senate wastes precious time playing political games. The Senate must pass this relief package now in order to get cash straight to the people.”